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Editorial: Celebrate, reflect on, U.S. Supreme Court’s gay marriage ruling

Sun., June 28, 2015

The Confederate flag is being lowered and the rainbow flag is being raised. What a remarkable week in America.

This dramatic shift has been propelled by tragedy and, as President Barack Obama said, “the countless small acts of courage of millions of people across decades.”

The deed that compelled the turn against the rebel flag was committed by an avowed racist. Dylann Roof slaughtered nine African Americans after a Bible study in a Charleston church. That’s enough, said the governors of South Carolina and Alabama, who urged removal of flags that served as symbols of division. That’s enough, said businesses who peddled the Stars and Bars. Other states are also taking action.

Then, on Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down gay marriage bans in the states that still had them. No more compromises, such as civil unions or “everything-but-marriage” laws. No more gay marriages that might not have been recognized in other states.

Now it’s just marriage, with governments treating all applicants with equal dignity.

Many elected leaders have uttered supportive words in the aftermath of the court’s 5-4 decision, but it’s important to note that most of them were followers early in the struggle. Obama and Hillary Clinton opposed gay marriage in the 2008 presidential contest. Bill Clinton, as president, signed the Defense of Marriage Act and agreed to the military’s feckless “don’t ask, don’t tell” compromise on disclosing sexual preferences.

This is an issue where “leaders” had to be assured they wouldn’t suffer at the polls if they did what was right.

Washington was a national leader on gay rights, but few politicians were out front. In 1997 and 1998, the Legislature passed anti-gay marriage bills, but then-Gov. Gary Locke vetoed both. Democrats helped Republicans override the second veto for fear the issue would appear on the ballot.

Eight years later, as public opinion shifted, Washington lawmakers passed a bill that outlawed discrimination based on sexual orientation. It was the first of its kind in the nation, but it still allowed the marriage ban to stand. Three years later, the Legislature passed a gay marriage bill, but opponents mustered enough opposition to have it placed on the ballot. The issue compelled a stunning 81 percent turnout, with the majority supporting gay marriage.

Washingtonians should be proud of this state’s fight. Our battles were waged when public opposition was greater. By the time the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday, fully 70 percent of Americans already lived in states where gay marriage was legal. A solid majority of Americans support it.

Idaho was one of the states that chose to fight for discrimination, and it’s unfortunate that it will be on the wrong side of history. It’s also unfortunate the Supreme Court vote was so close.

For generations to come, the court’s ruling will merely seem overdue. But for today, let’s pause and remember those who actually did have to fight for the right to be treated equally. And in so doing, elevated an entire nation.